In response to Lenny's request for policy guidance regarding
perchlorate (see below), I will outline the actions being taken at
the Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod, specifically at
Camp Edwards, the Army/Army Guard base previously used for extensive
artillery, mortar, rocket and pyrotechnics activity.

The method detection limit for remedial investigation is
approximately 0.40 ppb.

Several Bourne town production wells have been affected by
perchlorate and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection (MDEP) has set a safe drinking water level at 1.0 ppb.
EPA Region 1, after analyzing the special susceptibility of children
(particularly thyroid problems), set a limit of 1.5 ppb in drinking
water. In practice, EPA Region 1 accepts the MDEP standard of 1.0
ppb because that is also the National EPA draft reference dose.

These judgements have been made in consultation with many sectors of
the affected communities. Clearly, the highest priority here is to be
maximally protective of human health

Plans are now underway for expedited cleanup of the plume
(perchlorate and RDX) emanating from Demolition Area 1. The working
goal is removal of all detectable contaminants.

Finally, under EPA Administrative orders, all military activities,
including use of markers on simulation devices, which involve
perchlorate have been halted--(it is my opinion that civilian uses,
such as in fire works should also be stopped).